Sandycroft CP School in Mancot, has been running a Social Supermarket for the last few months, and has now unveiled the scheme to everyone.

Set up in the face of the cost of living crisis and food poverty, and their impact on many of the school's families, the supermarket can provide a lifeline for those in need. It also offers those who can, the chance to help others.

Working in the Sandycroft CP School shop, are pupils Ruby Chaplin-Baker, Bethan Dykinas, Harri Griffiths and David Hughes-Warr.

The well stocked supermarket, situated in a purpose-built unit at the school, offers fresh produce, dry goods, tins, juices and much more. But the difference here is, shoppers pay what, if anything, they can.

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Working in partnership with Neo Community, a food charity that already works with many schools on the Wirral, the aim is to not only address food poverty in a dignified way but also to educate families about nutrition, the importance of food waste and how it impacts the environment.

Headteacher at the Deeside school, Andy Liptrot said of the project, which has been two years in the making: "We realised some of our parents were having a tough time.

Just a fraction of the items on offer at the school supermarket.

"One parent said this shop made the difference between eating before Christmas or not.

"With the support of parents and local businesses, this is making a huge impact to our community."

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Run by the school's pupils, it also teaches them skills they will take with them beyond the classroom.

Emma Wilkes, chief executive and founder of Neo, said: "The kids run it, they're the future, the ones who it will effect.

Pupils with a donation from ASDA for the school's Social Supermarket.

"They learn employability, money management, confidentiality and stock rotation.

"It's not just for struggling families, it's about stretching budgets. It's about the full community and the dignity that comes with it.

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"One of the good things about is it looks just like a shop, it's not different, and anyone can shop here.

"We don't ask why anyone is using it, and it's free to use.

The school project has been made a reality with the support of several local businesses.

"And as well as being educational, it's also environmental, and helps keep waste from landfill."

Jan Young, parent support at the school, who helped initiate the project, the , said: "It's the families you think are OK but really aren't that have surprised us. More parents are using the shop than we thought."

Mr Liptrot added: "This is one of the best community projects I've come across, the whole community has come together and anyone can use it.

"It's a beautiful moment in our school's history."

• The Sandycroft Social Supermarket, open at the end of each school day, has been made a reality with lots of support, including the nearby 2 Sisters Food Group plant, Morgans farm supplies and builders merchant, ASDA, Tiffin Foods, Finneys Carpets, MACP electrical and several of the school's parents.